Have you recently adopted a bunny? Congratulations! You’ve certainly chosen an adorable pet! One thing that is very important is making sure that Floppy is comfortable in her cage. A Marin County, CA veterinarian offers some tips on setting up a bunny cage in this article.

Size

Size is one of the biggest concerns here. Your bunny will spend a lot of time in her cage, so make sure she has plenty of room. As a general rule of thumb, Floppy should be able to stand up, stretch out, lay down, hop around, and play without tripping over her belongings. We recommend getting a cage with a solid floor. Wire floors don’t hold substrate, and can cause paw injuries.

Substrate

Choosing the right substrate is also important. Avoid anything made from pine or cedar. These actually aren’t safe for small pets! Aspen is fine, as are paper products. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Accessories

Floppy will need some bunny furniture. Make sure your furball has a comfy hide box, where she can go if she feels scared or just needs privacy. You’ll also need to add some food dishes.

Litterbox

Litterboxes are optional. However, litter training your rabbit is well worth the time, so it’s something to consider. If you do add a litterbox, it’s best to position a hay rack above it. Rabbits like to eat while they’re doing their business.

Toys

Toys are a definite must! Bunnies are not only very playful, they also need to chew to prevent painful dental issues. You can actually make many of Floppy’s toys. Many wood, wicker, paper, and cardboard products are fine. Ask your vet for more information.

Placement

Choosing the right location is also very important. You don’t want to put your furry pal in direct sunlight or in a drafty area. Spots that are noisy, exposed, or near fireplaces or air ducts should also be avoided. Ideally, Floppy should be in a quiet area where she feels safe, but can still see, hear, and interact with you. If you have dogs or cats, you may want to raise the cage off the floor a bit. Your rabbit won’t be very comfortable with Fido constantly staring in at her!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if ever we can be of assistance. As your Marin County, CA, vet clinic, we’re here to help!